Years to avoid
Ford Bronco Years to Avoid
The 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 model years stand out as the weakest in this Ford Bronco dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated June 2026
- Weakest year
- 2021
- Model average
- 52/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 798
- Recalls, weakest year
- 31
41/100 reliability
20-point range
20 crash · 15 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2021 Ford Bronco ranks last
The 2021 scores 41/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 52/100. NHTSA data contains 798 owner complaints and 31 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (168), Power Train (129), Engine (89), Service Brakes (68). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2021 Ford Bronco record →Evidence by year
The weakest Ford Bronco model years compared
2021 Ford Bronco
- Complaints
- 798
- Recalls
- 31
- Crash reports
- 20
- Fire reports
- 15
Top issues: Electrical System (168), Power Train (129), Engine (89)
View 2021 details →2022 Ford Bronco
- Complaints
- 576
- Recalls
- 32
- Crash reports
- 17
- Fire reports
- 14
Top issues: Power Train (79), Electrical System (73), Visibility Wiper (62)
View 2022 details →2023 Ford Bronco
- Complaints
- 295
- Recalls
- 27
- Crash reports
- 10
- Fire reports
- 5
Top issues: Visibility Wiper (84), Electrical System (37), Power Train (24)
View 2023 details →2024 Ford Bronco
- Complaints
- 104
- Recalls
- 18
- Crash reports
- 6
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Electrical System (21), Power Train (18), Unknown Or Other (17)
View 2024 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Ford Bronco years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Ford Bronco data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Ford Bronco research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Ford Bronco research FAQ
Which Ford Bronco years should I avoid?
2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 score materially below the strongest Ford Bronco years in this dataset. The 2021 is the weakest at 41/100, with 798 owner complaints and 31 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Ford Bronco year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Ford Bronco year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2025 (61/100), 2026 (59/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Ford Bronco you are considering.